The Cabinet has authorised changes to the implementation of the unpopular visa regulations\u201a which have hit South Africa\u2019s tourism industry.<\/p>\n
Tourism from China showed the biggest drop in the past year\u201a despite the South African government\u2019s emphasis on close political and trade ties with the Brics giant.<\/p>\n
One significant change is to the requirement for travellers to apply for visas in person. In countries where there is no SA mission\u201a the Department of Home Affairs will now receive applications\u201a including by post\u201a and capture biometrics of travellers on arrival at ports of entry such as SA\u2019s three major airports.<\/p>\n
In the next three months\u201a Cabinet has mandated the Department to:<\/p>\n
Within a year\u201a the Department must:<\/p>\n
In the long term\u201a of one year and beyond\u201a Cabinet wants the Department to:<\/p>\n
Child-travel requirements for outbound travelling will stay\u201a including proof of \u201cparental relations\u201d through unabridged birth certificates\u201a and\u201a as necessary\u201a parental consent.<\/p>\n
For inbound travel where visas are required\u201a it will still be required that original birth certificates and\u201a as necessary\u201a parental consent or certified copies are submitted during the visa application process.<\/p>\n
Requirements regarding unaccompanied minors will also remain\u201a like providing copies of the identity document or valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive an unaccompanied minor.<\/p>\n
For visa-exempt countries a \u201cstrong advisory\u201d will be issued\u201a with travellers advised to have proof of relationship and consent from the absent parent\/s or guardian\/s\u201a in case they are asked to provide such on arrival.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese measures will ensure the balance between national security and economic interests of the country. Child safety will not be compromised\u201a\u201d the Cabinet statement said.<\/p>\n
The tourism industry has been reeling since the introduction of the contentious visa regulations last year\u201a and had been fiercely lobbying the government to review them. The volume of tourists decreased by 9\u201a3% (from 672\u201a726 in June 2014 to 610\u201a092 in June 2015\u201a Stats SA said.<\/p>\n
How South Africa\u2019s new visa requirements are killing the property market<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n How to simplify SA\u2019s confusing visa regulations<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n